NFL sets 2018 salary cap as Jets prepare for free agency frenzy

According to multiple reports, the 2018 cap has been set at $177.2 million. The new number is the fifth year in a row the cap has increased by at least $10 million. It was $123 million back in 2013, so the 2018 figure marks a 40-percent increase.

In addition to the salary cap, the NFL also released its franchise and transition tag figures for the 2018 season.

While the tag numbers likely won’t impact the Jets, the new salary cap confirms what we’ve known all along: the Jets have loads of money to work with.

With $89,259,293 in cap space, according to OTC, Mike Maccagnan can make some serious splashes in free agency. That number could increase if the general manager opted to cut a few veterans, but it’s not like he needs to.

The Jets also have $13,918,337 in dead money. Only the Cleveland Browns ($108,692,537) have more cap space than New York.

Gang Green’s financial flexibility could not come at a better time. With the Jets all in on Kirk Cousins, they will likely need to break the bank to sign the quarterback. New York’s main competition is the Vikings, who only have $47,630,443 in cap space but provide a better opportunity to win right away.

Also in play are the Cardinals ($20,236,238) and Broncos ($23,021,711).

While Cousins is New York’s main target, and a costly one at that, the Jets have the cap space needed to sign him while also upgrading around him. With so much money to spend, expect a lot of new faces in Florham Park next season.

Email

Like this article?

Sign up for the Jets Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Jets Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.